Singapore has addressed local transmission, but we must recognise that this success is transient and constantly at risk.
If we want to keep local COVID-19 transmissions low for the long-term, then it’s important that 70 to 80 per cent of the population gets vaccinated, wrote Associate Professor Alex Cook, Vice Dean (Research) and Domain Leader (Biostatistics and Modelling).
In a commentary for Channel NewsAsia, he explained the differences between ‘natural herd immunity’ and ‘vaccine-induced herd immunity’, as well as the safety of the vaccine development process.
Assoc Prof Cook also illustrated how the vaccine would protect Singapore and her people, and more importantly, why it is critical not to delay getting a shot.
He urged those who are eligible to get vaccinated when it reaches their turn, and not to wait until it is too late.
If everyone waits for everyone else to get vaccinated, we’ll be in phase 3 forever.
Read the commentary in full: